In a matchup of one of the newest Division-I programs against one of the newest FBS program, Lindenwood traveled south to Springfield, Missouri to play the Missouri State Bears, and the Bears came out on top with a win, 28-14.
Lindenwood now begins their season 0-3 for the first time since at least 2004, as the Lindenwood athletics website doesn’t keep records prior to that season. The score may not represent it, but Lindenwood was dominated yet again on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Jacardia Wright ran all over the Lions all night long finishing with 143 yards rushing on 21 carries, two touchdowns, and he also caught five passes out of the backfield for 65 yards. The Bears as a team rushed for 176 yards total, showcasing how much more athleticism they had up front compared to Lindenwood. The Bears also dominated time of possession over the Lions, having possession of the ball for 13 more minutes. Bears quarterback Jacob Clark finished the game 28/33, throwing for 302 yards and two touchdowns. Lindenwood’s secondary left Bears recievers wide open all night and they weren’t getting much pressure up front, only recording three sacks on the night, most coming in the late 4th quarter when Missouri State was running out the clock. Hunter Wood led Bears receivers with 10 catches for 90 and Jmariyae Robinson had six catches for 70 yards and a touchdown, including a 32-yard catch that went for the opening score of the game. Lance Mason had the other receiving touchdown for the Bears.
Nate Glantz had a rough game at quarterback, and after what was shown by Tyler Kubat late in the 4th quarter, after throwing for a 79-yard touchdown pass, there might be a change in the hands of Lions coach Jed Stugart. Glantz would finish the game only throwing for a 122 yards, zero touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, though he would have a rushing touchdown. Steve Hall had a very nice game out of the backfield for the Lions and was a welcomed spark to the offense, as he finished his night with 100 rushing yards on 13 carries. Jeff Caldwell finally had a Jeff Caldwell type of game so many Lindenwood football fans had been expecting from him, as he finished his night with six catches for 137 yards and one touchdown.
It wasn’t all bad for the Lindenwood defense however, as they were able to block a field goal in the third quarter and stop Missouri State on 4th down deep into Lion territory. However, allowing 478 total yards, allowing Missouri State to convert 50% of their third downs, and not forcing any turnovers will be things to work on and improve upon during this season. Lindenwood’s punter, Patrick Turner, had a very good game. He pinned the Bears inside their own 20-yard line multiple times, and was a viable option when the Lions needed to flip the field after their offense couldn’t get it done.
The game seemed like it would be much different this week as on the opening play Hall ran it for 32 yards appearing to set the Lions up nicely for an opening scoring drive for Lindenwood. However, the drive would quickly stall for the Lions, and they would be forced to punt it away to the Bears. The Bears would seize the opportunity and march 85 yards in six plays capped off by a 32 yard touchdown pass from Jacob Clark to Robinson. Lindenwood would benefit from an unsportsmanlike penalty on the Bears but would again be forced to punt. The Bears again took it 86 yards in nine plays capped off by a Mason touchdown catch to put the Bears up 14-0 in the first quarter. Much of the same from the Lion offense would follow as they would go three and out and again punt and again watch Missouri state score putting themselves in a 21-0 hole.
However, then the second quarter came and something clicked for the Lion offense, as they would have their best drive of the season as they marched 79 yards in nine plays leaning heavily on Hall who had 54 yards on five carries. Jeff Caldwell would have a nice 17 yard catch on the drive and it would be capped off by a Glantz one yard touchdown run. Both teams would trade punts before halftime hit.
To open the second half would be much of the same from Missouri State. They would go 75 yards in nine plays to go up 28-7 and virtually put the game out of reach. The third quarter is where Glantz would throw two of his three interceptions on the Lions first two drives of the second half, but the Lion defense would be able to hold the Bears while also blocking a field goal during that span. Late in the 4th quarter, with new quarterback Tyler Kubat inserted into the game, Kubat would find a streaking Jeff Caldwell down the field for a huge 79 yard touchdown with a minute to play. But after a failed onside kick attempt, the Bears would kneel it down twice to close out the 28-14 win.
The Lions will be back at it next week for Family Day at Hunter Stadium when the Lions host University of St. Thomas (1-2) who are fresh off a win against Black Hills State. The game will start at 1:00pm as the Lions look to get their first win of the 2024 season.
